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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 08.17.21
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Ray Fittipaldo
12:28
Ok let's star the chat.
SteelerinNorCal
12:28
When do you expect TJ news? The Steelers had an entire offseason to work on this extension so why are we still waiting for it in mid-August?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:29
Sometimes deadlines spur the action. The Steelers have never been afraid to take these deals up to the deadline. I wouldn't be surprised it it happens the week of the Buffalo game. We've seen that happen in the past.
Guest
12:29
The Joe Schobert move was a great move for the Steelers.  Based on his skill set, it seems like Jacksonville could have gotten more than a 6th round draft pick.  What am I missing?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:30
A previous regime signed him to a five-year, $53 million deal. The new regime didn't want to pay him that much. Quite simply, they wanted to be out from under the salary.
V. Fontaine
12:30
If the Steelers think Haskins can be an adequate backup, doesn't it make sense to trade Rudolph and keep Dobbs as the third QB?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:31
I don't think they are looking for adequate. However, if they truly believe he is better than Rudolph then yes it would make sense to shop Rudolph. I'm not sure they're there yet.
ev
12:31
Good Afternoon, Ray, and thank you for the chat.  I have not heard much regarding Benny Snell. Has he been passed by on the depth chart by McFarland?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:32
Snell has missed the past week or more with an injury. He was working in individual drills on Sunday. So maybe he's back out there today when they practice in about an hour.
Utah Jim
12:33
Is Haskin’s a unrestricted or restricted free agent next season? I’m not clear on the rules for restricted free agents since the Steelers are not his original team.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:34
He's an RFA.
AK
12:35
Is Haskins really in the hunt for the #2 QB or is his best chance #3?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:36
He's having a good camp. I still think he's likely to be the No. 3, but there is a competition for No. 2.
Trump of Steel
12:37
Devin Bush is a huge disappointment. He has a few screws loose, he can't cover or tackle anyone either. My prediction is he'll be out of the league in 2 years. What do you think?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:38
He's coming off an ACL surgery. He hasn't been the coverage LB they had hoped, but they got him some help by getting Schobert so maybe that will free up him to be a better playmaker. To say he's a huge disappointment is a bit premature. Let's see what their plans are for him and Schobert. The Schobert acquisition might be good for him.
AK
12:38
Do you think Schobert will start or will be used in mostly passing situations?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:38
Both.
AK
12:39
Is Berry a better holder than Harvin?  If it was a close decision, would that be a factor.  Also, who is the backup holder on the team?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:40
Berry is a good holder. Harvin is getting the hang of it. He knows it's a big part of the game. He said the other day it might be bigger than his punting because points go on the board with field goals. As for backup holders, all of the QBs on the roster are capable of holding, including Roethlisberger. Rudolph does it, too.
AK
12:40
What is your opinion of their depth at CB?  Do they need another player?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:41
I wouldn't be surprised if they made a move if they believe it will improve their team. I like Pierre. He's had a good camp. Is he ready for a big role as the No. 3 CB? We'll have to wait and see.
MG
12:42
If the Steelers do decide that they want Haskins to be part of their future, they will have to do another contract with him, probably before the end of the season when the existing one expires. Could be tricky, right? How do they value it, do they just offer to match what they’re paying Rudolph for 2022, can they get him to accept another one-year prove-it deal? I’ll bet if he can avoid any more off-the-field shenanigans, he’ll have several suitors next spring.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:43
He's an RFA. The Steelers control him for another year beyond the 2021 season. Now they might want to sign him to a longer-term deal if they really like him, but they can get away paying him a lower salary in 2022 again, if they wish.
ChexMix
12:43
With additions of Schobert and Ingram and the development of the young guys do you think we have a top 3 defense?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:44
Those additions will help them. They help take some of the string away from losing Hilton and Dupree. I think they can be a top 5-10 defense for sure.
AK
12:44
With the same practice squad rules as last year, do you see the Steelers keeping a QB there, if he clears waivers of course?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:44
That's a possibility, but it's hard to get a fourth QB work during a normal practice week.
Chris
12:44
Will McFarland be returning kicks this season or will Ray-Ray resume those duties when the regular season starts?  Thanks Ray.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:46
They have used McFarland as a KOR. McCloud has been hurt so we'll see when he comes back. Sexton has been good as PR in his absence.
ErnieHartnerMr.305LIT
12:47
Mike Tomlin recently commented that Cam Heyward did not participate in preseason practices as he negotiated his last contract. I don't remember that happening - do you?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:47
I believe he was limited but not to the extent Watt has been.
Steelman
12:48
This Rudolph-Haskins situation has similar vibes to when they cut Landry Jones. Do you think it's a possibility?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:48
If Haskins continues to play well, sure it's a possibility.
Steel Grinder
12:48
Fast Forward to September 11th and Watt does not have his extension.  Are we looking at a Melvin Gordon situation where Watt sits for 9 weeks and returns in week 10 to get credit for a season served?  If he's willing to not practice it seems that route may be indeed the likely path he takes.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:48
I don't think that's in TJ Watt's DNA.
Nate from Fort Wayne
12:49
Always love your columns and chats.
Colbert's done a nice job of putting the puzzle together with finding the missing pieces. Do you think there's one more piece missing in the secondary or do you think we'll be ok? Are we pretty much hoping for another team to cut a "Joe Haden"?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:50
The Joe Haden thing doesn't come around every year. If it does that would be great for the Steelers, but I don't expect a player of his caliber to be available.
kevin in Punxsy
12:50
Good Afternoon, Ray.  I have heard that TJ Watt wants $100,000,000 guaranteed. I heard elsewhere that he also wants $30 mil per for 5 years.  Do you think that the Steelers will be willing to meet his demands?  Do you think he will be here in 2023 after?  Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:51
The Steelers typically pay their best players. They don't want to let him leave. I think there is a way to get the deal done, but it's going to be a big one.
ErnieHartnerMr.305LIT
12:51
LeVeon Bell skipped a season, which was well within his contractual rights, and Steelers Nation was absolutely enraged. Now TJ Watt is refusing to participate in preseason practice in total violation of his contact, and everyone only seems concerned that TJ gets paid an ungodly sum for a non-QB that may set the franchise back for years. TJ Watt has only two career playoff tackles and zero sacks. I love the guy, but can you please rationalize this for me?
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